What distinguishes H&B from other golf travel companies is our steadfast belief that your experience off the course during a golf trip to Scotland is just as valuable as your time on it. We call it the Good Life, and it features prominently in each and every custom vacation crafted by our Expedition Planning Managers.
To that end, no other destination connects visitors with Scottish history and culture more effectively than its capital city. Here’s 5 notable attractions that shouldn’t be missed while sightseeing in Edinburgh during Scotland golf tours.
Edinburgh Castle
Perched high above the city center, Edinburgh Castle has stood guard over Scotland’s capital since 1085. One of the city’s most distinctive and most visited landmarks, the castle is seated on the craggy remains of an extinct volcano. Among its many attractions is the tiny room where Mary Queen of Scots – herself an avid golfer – gave birth to James VI of Scotland who became James I of England and united the crowns of both countries.
The Royal Mile
From Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile walk takes you in a straight line all the way down the hill to Holyrood Palace. Along the way you’ll pass a few other notable sites like St. Giles Kirk and Parliament House. The stroll is best enjoyed with the occasional detour down the narrow “closes” or cobbled alleys that branch off at random. Another notable stop that shouldn’t be missed: The Scotch Whisky Experience. Home to nearly 4000 different bottles and a common stop on golf and whisky tours of Scotland.
Holyrood Palace
Located at the end of the Royal Mile, the Palace at Holyroodhouse serves as His Majesty’s official residence in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128, the Palace is closely associated with the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots, who was married at Holyrood on two occasions and called it home between 1561 and 1567. If you’re planning to visit Holyrood during your Scotland golf vacation, be advised that the Palace is generally closed from late June through early July when The King is in residence.
National Portrait Gallery
Stepping away from the ancient streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, the National Portrait Gallery opened in 1889 in tribute to the great heroes and heroines of Scotland. It was the first purpose-built portrait gallery in the world, and stands today as one of the most popular museums in the United Kingdom. The collection is both extensive and impressive, and the keen eye will surely spot a golf club or two throughout the stroll.
Arthur’s Seat
Just beyond Holyrood Palace, the extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Edinburgh. The journey to the top is not for the faint of heart, but the hike is rarely an overly strenuous one for those who routinely walk golf courses. The view from the peak, however, is worth every step. Just be sure to hold tight of your belongings, the wind is usually blowing a hoolie up there.
Of course, the best way to see all of these sites and then some is in the company of an H&B Personal Guide. Not only will they provide a level of detail that’s missed on the basic audio-tour, but you’ll discover the history and culture of Edinburgh as seen through the eyes of a local.
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